Oil filler cap removal - Benzworld.org

**Musikmann** · 01-30-2008, 01:43 PM

Hello to all,

I feel pretty stupid, weak, or inept, but I had a problem recently. I had been driving and during a fuel stop I had the car measure the oil level and it told me to add 1 quart. The car uses oil so I always keep a quart of the right stuff in the trunk. I was not strong enough to unscrew the oil cap! It was cold outside, but I had just driven 100 miles so the engine was warm. When I got to my destination I found a dealer and some young guy got it off for me and I added the quart. He said before trying, that he might need some pliers but he didn't. He also said I was lucky my gas filler cap was not what was stuck. Is this a common occurrance, and should I find some sort of tool to use the next time this happens?

One last thing, I have gotten the filler cap off with no trouble when the outside temperatures were warmer.

sokoloff · 01-30-2008, 02:49 PM

Mine gets on there pretty tight too, but I've never needed anything more than a shop rag to help me get a good grip on it.

Len

**Musikmann** · 01-30-2008, 04:32 PM

Thanks Len,

I did try a paper towel out of the gas station's dispenser but that was not enough. I'll throw a shop towel in the trunk right beside the spare quart of oil as soon as I post this.

Mm

OliverK · 01-30-2008, 05:43 PM

talk to barrry bonds, he's got some stuff you could try

**Musikmann** · 01-30-2008, 06:05 PM

Haha Oliver,

I really think that's my main problem. I'm getting older and have lost some muscular strength in my hands. The young guy at the dealer got the cap off with his bare hand, but I could even see him struggle a bit with it. Maybe the spring (or whatever) gets stiffer with time, so I might also try buying a new cap.

mdw123 · 01-30-2008, 06:55 PM

Use the handle of a pair of pliers. This will give you the leverage you need without breaking the cap.

**Musikmann** · 01-30-2008, 07:05 PM

Thanks for the suggestion mdw123.

keyhole · 01-30-2008, 07:09 PM

Do you have trouble getting the lid off pickle jars...

gregs210 · 01-30-2008, 07:10 PM

Hey, MM. How is your consumption issue these days? Much better, I hope. I could count on one hand the number of times the oil filler car has been off my engine since I've owned it. Be sure you put a little oil on the threads and gasket when you reinstall, maybe that will help. And I don't know if this would apply, but there is no need to horse it on there. If you don't have one of those plastic-handled rubber strap wrenches they are really useful around the house -- and likely would be ideal for this as well.

Re the fuel filler cap, I have never heard of it being an issue -- other than the seal failing enough to trigger the evap code. As a preventative to both it is probably a good idea to treat it with some 303 from time to time.

Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg

DOHC V-6 · 01-30-2008, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Musikmann

Haha Oliver,

I really think that's my main problem. I'm getting older and have lost some muscular strength in my hands. The young guy at the dealer got the cap off with his bare hand, but I could even see him struggle a bit with it. Maybe the spring (or whatever) gets stiffer with time, so I might also try buying a new cap.

I had that trouble once.............Ended up breaking the cap. Get a tube of "Anti Seize" compound at an auto parts store. It's used on spark plug threads. Wipe clean the contact surfaces of the cap and apply a thin layer of Anti Seize...............No more problem!